Legionnaire by Jason Anspach & Nick Cole

Author:Jason Anspach & Nick Cole [Anspach, Jason]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, mobi, epub
Publisher: Galaxy's Edge
Published: 2017-06-12T04:00:00+00:00

15

The pile of cracked stones and debris I’ve stacked up beside me is almost as tall as I am, but Exo swears he can still hear someone beneath the ruins, so we keep prying away more pieces of shattered buildings. My fingers feel raw even with the protection of my synthprene gloves. My shoulders ache with each new deadlift and heave. But we’re making progress. Specter Squad cleared the village and has joined in the recovery.

I’m worried about Masters, though. He’s sitting on a mound of sand-colored bricks, staring off at nothing. The kid hasn’t said more than two words to anyone.

Wraith takes a seat next to him. “Tough day.”

Masters looks at Wraith, then down at the small piece of rubble in his hands. “Yes, sir.”

“Remember your training. These things happen, and it’s a shame, but don’t let it get in your head.” Wraith stands and kicks a brick off the pile. “We’re not out of this by any stretch. I need you focused on keeping the men around you alive, and not on the ones it’s too late for.”

Masters manages to look at the new widower. He still hasn’t left his wife’s side. I’m not sure a part of his brain didn’t crack, to be honest.

“Understood, Captain.” Masters stands up as well. “I’ll be ready. I just… just needed some time to think.”

Wraith nods and walks to me. I straighten my back and feel the vertebrae pop. My arms fall slack, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to rest them. We walk a few meters away, not wanting to be overhead.

“What did Captain Devers say?” I ask. “Did he know there were Republic scientists set up here?”

“Not here. He didn’t know where the place was. But he knew the Senate sent in a group of scientists to convince the Kublarens to start getting some of the planet’s natural resources into the trade lanes even before they’re formally brought into the Republic.”

“And?”

Wraith sighs. “This was avoidable. But I don’t think Devers is worried about anything other than the Moona koobs leaving.”

I look back at the surviving female scientist—Andien. She’s still pulling away whatever her slender arms can lift. Her hands are bleeding from the effort. “So these Rep scientists. Wrong place, wrong time? Chain of command just forget to look out for them?”

Wraith looks down. “As difficult as it might be to hear, that’s what I’m hoping. The alternative doesn’t bode well.”

There’s a flurry of motion at the dig site. Shouts of excitement begin to relay from one helmeted voice to the next. “That’s a leg!”

The speed of the dig intensifies as the legionnaires find a new reserve of strength.

“C’mon,” Wraith says before sprinting toward the pile. He’s already pulling away rocks by the time I’m halfway.

“Quigs.” I call the medic, still up top and seeing to the wounded in the converted sleds. “We might have a few wounded to bring up to the med-sleds.”

“Copy, Lieutenant.” There’s a hint of exasperation in his voice that even the comm can’t hide. I can’t blame him.

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